Developers in limbo over proposed road

Cambridge Times

Coun. Frank Monteiro doesn’t want the city to finalize the new Cambridge Official Plan without first defining the route of the region’s proposed east boundary road.

At Monday’s council meeting, the issue was raised as council considered a report outlining changes made by the region to the new Cambridge Official Plan, which will be used as a framework for development over the next five years.

“I have six developers in my ward that need to get an answer on this before they can develop anything,” he said. “This is really holding them up.”

Finding a solution will be no easy matter as the east boundary road borders North Dumfries and Woolwich Townships in Waterloo Region, and Puslinch Township in Wellington County.

Planning commissioner Janet Babcock told council Monday that the region may start the prerequisite Environmental Assessment Study to determine the route of the proposed road within the next six months.

Monteiro said one of the prime concerns for the developers is that the route for the new ring road might be shifted from being just outside the city limits back into the city limits and onto their land.

City chief administrative officer Jim King told council he has looked into the situation and is trying to set up a meeting with staff at Waterloo Region, but a date has yet to be set.

Coun. Gary Price suggested council not hold its breath concerning the construction of the east boundary road.

“The region spoke in 1995 about moving up construction of the south boundary road. It’s now 2012 and they still haven’t started it,” he said.